Development in Multiples
Is a child’s development affected by being
a multiple?
The majority of twins, triplets and more grow
and develop the same way as their singleton
peers; even those who start small will
eventually catch up. Overall identical twins
tend to have a more similar pattern of growth
than fraternal twins who may have their
growth spurts at different times including the
onset of puberty.
However there are some areas of
development that are more likely to be
affected in multiples than singletons, most
commonly in the area of language
development and so it is important that
parents and carers are aware of this in order
to address any difficulties at an early stage.
rather than someone with more developed
language. So-called twin language is just the
use and reinforcement of immature language
which leads to multiples using different words
between themselves
• multiple siblings often speak for each other so
if one is less vocal then s/he may not practice
his/her language skills
• parents of multiples may be less able to
spend the individual time and give the
individual attention which helps with the
development of language in their children.
Conversations tend to be three way because
one twin may not want the other to have the
parent’s attention and in addition because of
time constraints parents often talk to both at
the same time
How might multiple birth children’s
language be affected?
On average pre-school twins are about six
months behind singletons in their language
development. However this is an average and
of course many multiples have no problems
at all. Amongst the general population 6 in
100 children have some language delay, in
multiples it is nearer to 36 in 100. However
most of these will be minor language
problems which will be resolved by 6 to 8
years of age.
Even with all these factors most multiples will
not have language delay and most mild delays
disappear by the age of seven or eight.
However some multiples have more severe
language problems and the earlier they receive
help the better the outcome.
Why does this happen?
Factors that affect language delay in all
children include being born prematurely,
having low birth weight, siblings close in age
and being part of a large family, all of which
are more common in multiple birth families.
In multiple birth children other factors include
the fact that:
• children generally use their sibling/s as role
models for speaking and because multiple
birth children’s siblings are the same age
they copy each others immature language
How can language development be
encouraged in multiple children?
• Turn everything off (TV/radio etc) for 30
minutes a day so children can listen to
background noise with no distractions.
• Look at books with children individually.
• Address comments to children individually
and make eye contact when talking to them.
• Repeat back to your child what he has said in
the correct form if he has mispronounced a
word.
• Encourage each child to speak for himself.
• Encourage social contact outside the family.
If you have concerns about your children’s
language development talk to your health
visitor or G.P. Tamba members can also
receive advice from Tamba’s Honorary
Consultants.
Copyright Twins and Multiple Births Association
2 The Willows, Gardner Road, Guildford, Surrey. GU1 4PG
Tamba Twinline: 0800 138 0509 confidential helpline (10am-1pm & 7pm-10pm daily)
Registered Company No: 3688825
Registered Charity No: 1076478
Are there other areas of development which may
be delayed?
• Intellectual development is similar to singletons
except in language. The majority of twins have
been shown to have intelligence within the normal
range though a few points below the singleton
average. This is generally believed to be associated
with the higher level of prematurity in multiples.
However the significance of this is not great but just
highlights the importance of multiples being given
individual attention.
• There is a slight increase in the incidence of ADHD
most significantly in identical twin boys which may
be related to the experience of being a twin.
Routines, clear rules and self-organisation
strategies may help them to focus on the learning
required.
• The other physical problems more common in
multiples births relate to the higher incidence of
premature births and as a result multiples have
higher incidence of cerebral palsy, hearing and
eyesight problems.
What is the importance of play in multiple birth
children’s development?
Play is an essential part of children’s development
and helps each child to learn about the world they
live in. It provides opportunities to develop fine motor
skills and language, to learn to socialise, have
confidence and to concentrate. It gives them the
opportunity to channel energy, express emotions and
have fun.
Parents of multiples are faced with additional
challenges in providing opportunities for play with
their children. Safety is often a concern which can
lead to parents restricting their children’s play. Messy
activities such as painting can become too much for
parents with two or more toddlers and so the
children’s opportunities for creative activities may be
less. Differing needs of the children may lead to
conflict such as one twin spoiling the other’s game
and so opportunities to concentrate may be limited.
Time restrictions can lead to parents addressing the
children together and limiting the opportunities for
language development (see above).
How can play with multiple children help with
their development?
This can be done by:
• including a variety of play activities
• giving each child a box to keep their own toys
• including activities that are private such as drawing
and colouring
• turning necessary chores into a game by asking the
children to help wash up, empty the washing
machine or when shopping giving them their own
list of things to find
• developing an area where children can play safely
without being told ‘No’ all the time
• setting clear boundaries for play and keeping them
consistent
• helping children to share by using a timer for turn
taking and modelling turn taking
• asking friends and family to look after one child
while doing a messy activity with the other e.g.
baking a cake or painting
What support does Tamba offer?
Tamba aims to provide high quality information and
mutual support networks for families of twins, triplets
and more, highlighting their unique needs to all
involved in their care. Its services include Twinline a
confidential helpline for parent to parent support (see
details at the bottom of page one). There are parent
to parent support groups for infertility support, lone
parents, special needs, bereavement support and
higher multiples and specialist support to parents
through Honorary Consultants. For more details see
www.tamba.org.uk.
Tamba’s ‘Parenting with multiples in mind’ seven
week course is for parents and carers of multiples
aged one to five year olds and includes sessions on
individuality, managing behaviour and play and
development. Please contact Tamba for details of
courses in your area or if you are interested in
becoming a course facilitator. In addition Tamba’s
‘Parenting with multiples in mind’ video can be
used as a resource for both parents and health
professionals.
For more information
Twins, Triplets and More - Their nature,
development and care. Elizabeth Bryan Penguin,
1992
Play for Twins Triplets or More. Tamba
Baby
Talk. Sally W ard Arrow, 2004
www.talkingpoint.org.uk - information and resources
about language for parents, carers and professionals
www.twinsandmultiples.org – includes information on
development and normal milestones in language
development
As a charity, Tamba relies solely on income from grants, company sponsorship, membership subscriptions, fundraising activities and voluntary
donations to fund our services. If you would like more information on how to support Tamba, or would like to make a donation towards our work,
please call 0870 770 3305 or visit our website:www.tamba.org.uk